Fishing line float



- July 6, 1948.

LKR. sTAHNKE ETAL FISHING LINE FLOAT Filed April 19, 1946 Patented July 6, 1948 FISHING LINE FLOAT Leslie R. Stahnke, Chicago, and William H. Lannert, Skokie, Ill., assignors to Western Engineering and Tool Design, Chicago, Ill., a corporation 'of Illinois Application April 19, 1946, Serial No. 663,496

This invention relates to improvements in iishing line floats and it consists of the matters hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The fishing line float with which the present invention is more especially concerned is of the kind including a oat body and a pin that is insertable into one end of a bore through the body 'and in one position so clamping a iishing line therein as to release the same, without separation from the float body, upon a pull on the line by a sh, to permit a relative movement between said line and the float as a unit.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a iioat of this kind which is of a simple and inexpensive construction and which may be readily assembled, without chance of error, by inserting the pin into the iioat body from either end of the bore therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fishing line float of this kind which permits of the lateral entry of a part of the fishing line into the line receiving slit of the pin without requiring the complete removal of the pin from the bore, thereby avoiding a possible loss oi the pin when applying the line to the float.

Also, it is an object of the invention to provide a iishing line float of this kind that embodies a pin of such length that when the same is in line clamping position in the float, parts projects beyond each end of the bore therein, so as to be readily engageable by the finger t both push and pull the pin for a more ready withdrawal of the pin from the float body when necessary to do so, or when it is desired to move the pin into a position in the bore, permitting of a new adjustment of the float on the line.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a iishing line float wherein it is possible to employ a shoulderless bore in the oat body soV that the pin may be readily assembled with the body from either end of the bore.

The above mentioned objects of the invention, as well as others, along with the advantages thereof, will more fully appear as the specification proceeds.

v In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view through the improved iioat, on a scale somewhat larger than full size, with the parts shown in the relative position wherein a part of the line is releasably clamped to the iioat in a position ready for use. v Fig. 2 is another vertical sectional view through the improved float, as taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

6 Claims. (Cl. 43-49) Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the parts in a changed relation, and wherein the pin has moved to a position, under the action of a pull on the line by a iish, permitting a relative movement between the line and the float, without a complete separation between the float and the pin.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view through a part of the float, as taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective View vof the iloat body, with parts broken away for better illustrative purposes, when the same is of a hollow plasticr construction.

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of the line clamping pin of the float when turned through an angle of from that appearing in Figs. 1 and 3.

Referring now in detail to that embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the improved float comprises but two parts, namely a hollow float body I0, which best appears in Fig. 5 and a line clamping pin II, which best appears in Fig. 6.

The iloat body is herein shown as of a hollow spherical construction and comprises a pair of hemispherical, upper and lower body parts or shells I 2 and I3 respectively, each provided with an axially arranged tubular sleeve I 2a and l3nt respectively. The peripheral edge of one body part or shell has a cemented rabbeted engagement with the like edge of the other body part, as indicated at I4, and the peripheral edge atene end of the sleeve I 2a has a cemented tapered engagement with the like edge of the other sleeve l3nt as indicated at Ida in Fig. 5. Preferably said shells are made of a molded plastic material and when they are joined and cemented together, they coact to provide a light weight buoyant water and leak-proof body having a smooth surface bore I5 extending diametrically therethrough, devoid of internal shoulders or the like.

Preferably the pin is also made of a plastic material. It is preferably of a length greater than that of the bore I5 and at one end includes a body part I6 of a diameter to have a fairly snug i-lt in said bore. Said body part is provided at its extremity with a flaring head I'l of a diameter greater than that ofthe bore I5 so as to limit the insertion of the pin into said bore. Preferably said head is so formed as to be readily grasped by the fingers of the hand.

The body is formed in a portion thereof with a line receiving slit I8, that terminates short of the head I1 and this slit defines a relatively short shank I9 and a relatively long shank 20. The

With the provision of the long and the short shanks 2|! and I9, as described, a part of a fishing line 22 (see Fig. 2) may be readily positioned from the side of the pin for entry into the slit I8, instead of from one end ofjthe pin. Therefore, the line may be applied to the float without a complete withdrawal of the pin from the oat body and a loss of the pin therefrom, when the pin is so constructed as to require theV entry of the line part into the slit from one end thereof.

When the iioat reaches the user, it is in an assembled condition. To apply'the line 22 vthereto for use, the procedure is as follows: Holding the float body in say the left hand, the thumb thereof is engaged with the projection 2| while the fingers of the right hand grasp the head Il. An initial lateral pushing pressure is exerted on the' projection 2| and then a longitudinal pushing and a pulling pressure is exerted on the head. 'This straightens the bowed upper end of the shank IS as appears in vdotted lines in Fig; 3, so that the pin may move longitudinally of the bore to a point wherein the free end of the short shank I9 is exposed beyond the float body. `'I'he desired part of the line is then moved laterally toward and into engagement with the associated side of the longer shank 2@ and is then shifted rdown through the slit I8 to engage the bottom thereof. 'Thus the line may be applied to the float without a complete withdrawal of the pin frointhe float body.

The pin is thereafter pushed back into the bore so that the line part at either side of the bottom of the slit I8 is clamped between the opposite wall parts of the bore and the side parts of the pin body belowthe slit asappears in Fig. l2. Thus, this part of the line forms a loop, which 'is releasably clamped in place and thereby attaches the float body and pin as a unit to the line, and this in a manner preventing the line from slipping relative to the oat. At this time, the projection 2| is spaced outwardly from its associated end of the bore and overhangs a part of the body dening said end of the bore, as best appears in Fig. l.

In use during a fishing operation, Ythe body floats in the water, with the projections 2| uppermost and with the head l1 lowermost, due to the action of the line 22. Should a iish be hooked, itv willexert a pull o nthe line between the float and the fish hookv (not shown) and this pull will be first manifested as a jerk. The'jerk on the line 'will cause a downward withdrawal of the pin a'distance to engage the projection 2| with that part of the float body previously overhung thereby,-as lshown in Fig. .3. Thus, while preventing a complete withdrawal of the pin :from the line, and which would cause the loss of the iioat body and probably the pin, the movement of the pin is such as to so dispose the bottom of the groove I8 relative to the associated end of the bore that the line is capable of sliding through the slit, thereby permitting arelative movement between the line and the float which is still a captive of theline. 'lfhus the line may be hauled line and thefloat in no manner interferes with 'a hauling or reeling in ofthe line.`

After the fish has been removed, the float is slid back along the line to the predetermined vposition thereon, after which a pressure on the knob end of the pin again, but releasably, locks the line and float operatively together. By reason of the iiare of the head Il, if desired, it is possible by,v means of end pressure thereon, to so wedge the head in its associated end of the -g-bore as to positively lock the line to the float as to prevent the release of the pin, as above mentioned.

Should it be necessary to remove the pin entirely from the float, in the pressing in upon the projectionZl, the long shank 20 may be sprung laterally so that the projection 2|` may enter its associated end of the bore.- A pull on the head withdraws the entire pin from the .'bore.

To return the pin to position in the oat body, that end of the pin bearing the projection 2| is inserted into either end ofthe bore andv this use of either 'end is .possible as there is no internal annular shoulder y therein, to be considered. With the projection disposed. in said end of the bore, endwise pressure on the head I1 forces the pin through the bore. When the projection 42| passes the other end of the bore, it vsnaps outwardly to overhang a part of the body defining the said part of the end of the bore.

Preferably the body l@ is made of shells and l2 of contrasting colors better to be seen when floating upon the surface of a. body of water.

The float is leakproof and being made of plastic/or the like cannot become waterlogged to lose its buoyancy.v

Furthermore, the pin, which can be inserted into either end of the bore in the body, cannot become accidentally lost from the body, but may be removed completely therefrom, when necessary, and then replaced therein. As the pin may be inserted into either end of the bore, assembly operation oi the parts requires no association of the pin with a particular `end of the bore.

As no internal shoulder is necessary in the bore, the same maybe more readily made by means of tools and dies which are considerably less expensive than those necessary in producing Aan internally shouldered bore.

While in describing the invention we have referred in detail to the form, arrangement and construction of the parts involved, the same is to be considered only in the illustrative sense and theren fore we do not wish to be limited thereto except as may' be specifically set forth in the appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. A fishing line float embodying therein a `buoyant doa't body having a bore therethrough and a fishing line attaching pin adapted for insertion into said bore from one endrthereof, said pin having a portion at one end formed for a relatively snug fit in said end of said bore, and also having a longitudinal line receiving slit therein which divides the remainder of said pin into a relatively long shank partrand a shorter shank kp art permitting a'lateral entry of a partfxof a fishing line into said slit, the free end of said long shank part when said pin is in a position in said bore with av portion of said fishing line part clamped between the rst mentioned end of said pin and the associated end of the bore.

2. A fishing line float embodying therein a buoyant float body having a bore therethrough and a shing line attaching pin adapted for insertion into said bore from oneend thereof, said pin having la portion at one end formed for a relatively snug t in s-aid end of said bore, said pin having means at the extremity of said end that limits its insertion into said end of the bore, said end of said pin having a longitudinal line receiving slit therein which divides the remainder of said pin into a relatively long shank part and a shorter shank part permitting -a lateral entry of a part of a fishing line into said slit, the free end of said long shank part normally extending beyond the other end of said bore and carrying a lateral projection which is spaced outwardly from and overhangs a part of the body dening said other end of the bore when said pin is in -a position in said bore with a portion of said iishing line part clamped between the rst mentioned end of the pin and the associated end of the bore.

3. A fishing line float embodying therein a buoyant oat body having a bore therethrough and a fishing line attaching pin adapted for insertion into said 'bore from one end thereof, said pin having a portion at one end formed for a relatively snug iit in said end of said bore, and also having a longitudinal line 'receiving slit therein which dvides the remainder of said pin into a relatively long shank part and a shorter shank part permitting a lateral entry of a part of a fishing line into said slit, the free end of said long shank part normally extending beyond the other end o said bore and being formed for a lateral flexure and carrying at its extremity a lateral projection, said extremity and said projection having a Width approximating the diameter of said bore, said projection being spaced outwardly from and overhanging a part of the body denning said other end of said bore when said pin is in a position in said bore with a portion of said iishing line part clamped between said iirst mentioned end of said pin and the associated end of the bore.

4. A fishing line float embodying therein a buoyant float body having a bore therethrough of the same diameter end to end and a nshing line attaching pin adapted for insertion into `said bore from either end thereof, said pin having :a portion at one end thereof formed for a relatively snug nt in that lend of the bore into which it is inserted, and also having a longitudinal line receiving slit therein, which divides the remainder of said pin into a relatively long shank part and a shorter shank part permitting a lateral entry of a part of a shing line into said slit, the free end of said long shank part normally extending @beyond the other end of said bore and carrying a lateral projection which is normally spaced outwardly from and overhangs a part of the body denning the other end of the bore when said pin is in a position in said bore with a portion of said shing line part releas-ably clamped between the first mentioned end of said pin and theassociated end of the bore.

5. A iishing line float embodying therein abuoyant float body having a bore therethrough and a shing line attaching pin of a length greater than and adapted for insertion into said bore from one end thereof and having a portion at one end formed for a relatively snug t in said end of said bore, said pin having a longitudinal line receiving slit therein which divides the remainder of said pin into shank parts, the free end of at least lone of said shank parts being formed for a lateral ilexure and carrying at its extremity a lat-eral projection, said projection being normally spaced outwardly from. and overhanging a part of the body dening the other end of said bore when said pin is in a position in said 'bore with a portion of said fishing line ypart releasably clamped between said ii'rst mentioned end lof said pin and the associated end of the bore.

6. In a iishing line iioat, a pin for attaching a part of the line to the float and embodying therein a pin `body having a portion of enlarged diameter adapted to be grasped by the fingers, there being -a longitudinal line receiving slit in said body inwardly of said portion of enlarged diameter and which slit divides the remainder of said body into a relatively long shank and a relatively shorter shank, the free end portion of said long shank being formed for a lateral exure and terminating in a lateral yprojection that overhangs the plane of the shorter shank.

LESLIE R. STAHNKE. WILLIAM H. LANNERT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,850,748 Eoster Mar. 22, 1932 2,379,676 Blackstone July 3, 1945 2,415,692 Huston Feb. 11, 194,7 

